News & Events

Classic Wheels Event 2014

On Sunday, 8th June, over 750 vehicle owners and visitors passed the Museum’s Daimler Ferret in its role as gate guardian to see 120 classic vehicles dating from the 1920s to the late 1990s.

Amongst the military vehicles, were a 1939 Bedford fire appliance and 1940 ex-RAF Scammel, both of which may well have been seen around RAF Tangmere’s airfield during the Battle of Britain. Jeeps, Ferrets of all versions and rather more up to date Land Rovers added to the display.

Cars ranged from a 1923 Morris Cowley, 1929 Riley Elf, Bugatti, a “Pen Nib” Austin 7 Swallow and 3 very early Austin saloons; more modern examples were several Alfa Romeos including a Montreal and an SZ. Solihull was well represented by 12 x Rovers, one having been driven over from Germany, and Abingdon by 12 x MGs from T-Series Midgets to MGB. Jaguars included an XK120, XK140, “D” and XJS.

Many other classic vehicles added to the atmosphere as owners old and new exchanged information and ideas whilst visitors viewed their superbly presented vehicles with admiration. To cap the day, everyone present had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of a classic Harrier fighter aircraft.